The municipal corporation has failed to put a leash on the menace of stray dogs even as dog bite cases reported in Chandigarh have recorded an all-time high.

The municipal corporation has failed to put a leash on the menace of stray dogs even as dog bite cases reported in Chandigarh have recorded an all-time high.

As many as 25 dog bite cases are reported daily at the Sector 19 civil dispensary, the only anti-rabies clinic in the city. In the past 10 days, maximum cases have been reported from Sectors 46, 47, 48, 49 and Sector 51.

In view of this worrying situation, the civic body maintains that they are doing their best to control the menace.

Dr Poornima Saigal, medical officer at the Sector 19 dispensary, admitted that the number of dog bite cases was increasing in the city. "We have nearly 80% stray dog bite cases and 20% by pet dogs. Since we have started providing vaccination at subsidised rates, more cases are being reported now," she said.

Jaspreet Singh, an NRI from the United States who is at present residing in Sector 47, said, "I am shocked to see how the civic body has failed to tackle the problem of stray dogs. I was taking a stroll in a park of Sector 47 when three strays attacked me and injured me badly," he said.

Dr Shyam Bansal, who runs a clinic in Sector 47, said, "For the past 10 days, nearly 15 dogs bite cases have been reported from nearby sectors. Even after repeated reminders, the MC has not done anything. I suggest that the civic body provide two sheds on city outskirts, where dogs and bitches should be kept separately. I suggest that they should put collars on necks of strays to identify sterilised dogs."

When contacted, Dr BK Salwan, MC medical officer health, said, "We are trying our level best to control the menace. In the past three years, no rabies cases have been reported in the city. As far the dog bite cases are concerned, we are trying to educate the residents through seminars and camps."